University of Virginia A “Great Fit” for Mitchell Frank
By Kelyn Soong
Mitchell Frank faced a difficult decision.
The Blue Chip player from Annandale, Virginia had been recruited from just about every tennis program across the country and had narrowed his choices down to three schools: Duke, Texas A&M and University of Virginia.
“The decision was very tough,” Frank admitted. “I liked them all a lot and they all had many positives for my development.”
But in the end the local school prevailed and Frank will be attending the University of Virginia on a full scholarship next fall.
“I felt UVA was the best fit for me,” said Frank. “The school is a great fit because it is a very professional environment with great coaches and players upon which I can develop in all aspects of my life, particularly tennis wise.”
And it doesn’t hurt that Frank’s trip to college won’t require a plane ticket.
“Staying close was a consideration so that I can still work closely with my coaches,” said Frank. “[JTCC coach] Vesa Ponkka and [Fairfax Racquet Club teaching pro] Vinh Do have gotten me this far [in my career].”
Frank, the No. 3 ranked junior player in the United States, will be contributing his considerable talents to the Cavalier squad that went undefeated in the Atlantic Coast Conference at 11-0 and had a 39-2 overall record last year.
The 18-year-old hopes that the experience at UVA will help him develop as a professional player. “My goals are to improve my game so that I can be a successful pro on the ATP tour,” expressed Frank.
“I would like to also try to achieve [success] in the college game and help the school win a national championship,” he added.
The opportunities to succeed not only on the courts but in the classrooms as well appealed to Frank.
“The school has a great environment which will allow me to reach my goals academically and from a tennis standpoint,” proclaimed Frank. “Surrounding myself with excellence will help me excel as well.”
And to the delight of Frank’s local family, friends and fans, they won’t have to travel very far the next four years to watch him do so.